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Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief
Award-winning writer Katrina Nannestad transports us to Russia and the Great Patriotic War and into the life of Sasha, a soldier at only six years old ...
Wood splinters and Mama screams and the nearest soldier seizes her roughly by the arms. My sister pokes her bruised face out from beneath the table and shouts, 'Run, Sasha! Run!'
So I run. I run like a rabbit.
It's spring, 1942. The sky is blue, the air is warm and sweet with the scent of flowers.
And then everything is gone.
The flowers, the proud geese, the pretty wooden houses, the friendly neighbours. Only Sasha remains.
But one small boy, alone in war-torn Russia, cannot survive.
One small boy without a family cannot survive.
One small boy without his home cannot survive.
What that small boy needs is an army.
From the award-winning author of We Are Wolves comes the story of a young boy who becomes a soldier at six, fighting in the only way he can -- with love. But is love ever enough when the world is at war?
AWARDS
Winner - The Indie Book Awards 2022 (Children's)
Winner - ABA Bookseller's Choice 2022 Book of the Year Awards (Children's)
Shortlisted - CBCA 2022 (Younger Reader's Book)
Shortlisted - ABIAs 2022 (Book of the Year for Younger Children)
Wood splinters and Mama screams and the nearest soldier seizes her roughly by the arms. My sister pokes her bruised face out from beneath the table and shouts, 'Run, Sasha! Run!'
So I run. I run like a rabbit.
It's spring, 1942. The sky is blue, the air is warm and sweet with the scent of flowers.
And then everything is gone.
The flowers, the proud geese, the pretty wooden houses, the friendly neighbours. Only Sasha remains.
But one small boy, alone in war-torn Russia, cannot survive.
One small boy without a family cannot survive.
One small boy without his home cannot survive.
What that small boy needs is an army.
From the award-winning author of We Are Wolves comes the story of a young boy who becomes a soldier at six, fighting in the only way he can -- with love. But is love ever enough when the world is at war?
AWARDS
Winner - The Indie Book Awards 2022 (Children's)
Winner - ABA Bookseller's Choice 2022 Book of the Year Awards (Children's)
Shortlisted - CBCA 2022 (Younger Reader's Book)
Shortlisted - ABIAs 2022 (Book of the Year for Younger Children)
320 pages, Hardcover
First published October 27, 2021
88 people are currently reading
863 people want to read
About the author
Katrina Nannestad
43 books197 followersKatrina Nannestad is an award-winning Australian author. Her books include The Girl Who Brought Mischief, the Girl, the Dog and the Writer series, the Olive of Groves series, the Red Dirt Diaries series, the Lottie Perkins series and Bungaloo Creek.
Katrina grew up in country New South Wales in a neighborhood stuffed full of happy children. Her adult years have been spent teaching, raising boys, perfecting her recipe for chocolate-chip bickies and pursuing her love of stories. She now lives near Bendigo with her family and an exuberant black whippet called Olive.
Katrina grew up in country New South Wales in a neighborhood stuffed full of happy children. Her adult years have been spent teaching, raising boys, perfecting her recipe for chocolate-chip bickies and pursuing her love of stories. She now lives near Bendigo with her family and an exuberant black whippet called Olive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
March 18, 2023
Being told to run by her sister in the faces of the brutal German soldiers, Sasha did as he was told. Six years old, he ran as fast as he could, as long as he could, as far away as he could. Hungry, tired and thirsty, Sasha slowly and carefully made his way back home, through the forests and fields - but where was his village? Everything was ashes, everyone was gone. Would he ever see Mama and his sister again?
Sasha - whose mother called Little Rabbit - was found by Russian Red Army soldiers, who cared for him, fed him and slowly he was happy again. He cried often, when memories hit him, but then a tailor made him a red army uniform - Sasha was proud as a peacock. He would sing to the soldiers, hold their hand as they were stitched up, eat Cook's food, and the love he held for his army family surmounted almost everything. The war between the Germans and the Russians was deadly, the battle in Stalingrad severe. But still Sasha shared his love and hugs around. He was the Angel of Stalingrad...
Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief by Aussie author Katrina Nannestad was another exceptional read by this author. Her books have won many awards including two for this one in 2022. Sasha was a wonderful little boy who helped so many after losing his whole family to the Germans. Highly recommended.
Sasha - whose mother called Little Rabbit - was found by Russian Red Army soldiers, who cared for him, fed him and slowly he was happy again. He cried often, when memories hit him, but then a tailor made him a red army uniform - Sasha was proud as a peacock. He would sing to the soldiers, hold their hand as they were stitched up, eat Cook's food, and the love he held for his army family surmounted almost everything. The war between the Germans and the Russians was deadly, the battle in Stalingrad severe. But still Sasha shared his love and hugs around. He was the Angel of Stalingrad...
Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief by Aussie author Katrina Nannestad was another exceptional read by this author. Her books have won many awards including two for this one in 2022. Sasha was a wonderful little boy who helped so many after losing his whole family to the Germans. Highly recommended.
August 24, 2022
This is really not the sort of book I read. You can give me the most violent, murderous book and I’m fine, but as soon as it’s inspired by real events: I am so out of there. Particularly WWII. But like a stinky cheese you have to try again to see if you still hate it (spoiler: I do) I decided to get back on the horse and give it another go. And I picked this book, since with was nominated for CBCA book week this year.
And oh my gosh, this was such an amazing book. It is senseless and horrible and heartbreaking, but also moving and beautiful and full of love and hope. I read it in a single sitting. Sasha was such a pure and loving character, and to see this story unfold through his eyes truly was an amazing experience. All the hugs, Sasha. All the hugs.
And oh my gosh, this was such an amazing book. It is senseless and horrible and heartbreaking, but also moving and beautiful and full of love and hope. I read it in a single sitting. Sasha was such a pure and loving character, and to see this story unfold through his eyes truly was an amazing experience. All the hugs, Sasha. All the hugs.
November 22, 2021
Absolutely magical! Another stunning middle grade historical fiction from Katrina Nannestad, this beautifully written story is brimming with hope, love and light, despite the dark topic. There are so many beautiful lines to share from this book, I wanted to share them with the people around me. The book would make a beautiful read aloud. Potentially best to be read by adult to a child at home rather than a class with differing maturity and sensitivity levels.
February 28, 2022
This is a remarkable read, which I confess took me a while to get into, but when I did, I was invested until the end.
It has shades of Morris Gleitzman's Once series in the writing style... as it is told from the point of view of a 6 year old boy, Sasha (who is 9 by the end of the book) who is 'adopted' by a group of Red Army soldiers as they try and protect Russia from the invading Nazis.
They travel across parts of Russia and Ukraine, and into Poland and Germany, their numbers depleting as they go. The story of that journey is told from Sasha's hospital bed, which gives us a glimpse into the fact that something has happened to put him there.
At the time of reading this book, Russia was invading Ukraine and there were some interesting parallels and connections I made which made it all the more powerful.
This quote struck a chord:
"There is beauty in the world, even in the darkest of times. Beauty and love and joy. And in the future, we will do all that we can to spread the beauty so that there is no room left for hate or fear or greed or even sad memories.... I am filled with hope for a better future."
It has shades of Morris Gleitzman's Once series in the writing style... as it is told from the point of view of a 6 year old boy, Sasha (who is 9 by the end of the book) who is 'adopted' by a group of Red Army soldiers as they try and protect Russia from the invading Nazis.
They travel across parts of Russia and Ukraine, and into Poland and Germany, their numbers depleting as they go. The story of that journey is told from Sasha's hospital bed, which gives us a glimpse into the fact that something has happened to put him there.
At the time of reading this book, Russia was invading Ukraine and there were some interesting parallels and connections I made which made it all the more powerful.
This quote struck a chord:
"There is beauty in the world, even in the darkest of times. Beauty and love and joy. And in the future, we will do all that we can to spread the beauty so that there is no room left for hate or fear or greed or even sad memories.... I am filled with hope for a better future."
April 9, 2022
Sasha hasn't spoken. Not since he's been at the hospital. No one knows why, not even Sasha, but he does know he needs certain things. He needs them so badly he plans how to get them, and then hides them from prying eyes. Why does he need them? He doesn't know that either.
Feathers from a pillow, a fluffy hat. There is a knotted piece of rope and matchboxes full of ash. It's a posy of flowers given to him by his doctor that brings a word from his lips. A tiny bunch that triggers a memory. Sasha begins to speak.
He tells of life in a Russian village with his mother and big sister Yelana. Sasha is only 6 in this memory, and he remembers the fields surrounding the village, full of flowers. Then the Germans soldiers come. They stomp through Sasha's village in their big black boots, kicking in doors, then people, all the while laughing. When they finally leave, at even only 12 yeas old, Yelana vows to fight back. They have already lost an older sister and their father to the war, and she doesn't want to lose any more.
Sasha remembers the consequences of her decision, in the shape of 12 matchboxes full of ash.
More memories surface in the shape of a beetle, some buttons and a pile of white feathers. These memories come from being taken in and cared for by soldiers of the Red Army, fighting against the German war machine. He becomes a light for the soldiers, as he is kind, gentle and sweet in a world of war. He loves to sing and is generous with kisses on cheeks and hugs where he thinks one is needed.
Slowly over time, Sasha reveals more of his life over the past few years. He has collected more things that seem important, but are only understood once he begins talking.
The nursing staff realise who this little boy is and what he has done for the Red Army and the spirits of the Russian people. Sasha takes it all in, remembering who he once was, and now wondering who he will become.
A story told in the point of view of a small, 6 yr old Russian boy. It begins in a hospital after the second world war, but the reader is taken back to 1942 when the Red Army (Russia) are fighting to rid their country of German soldiers. Sasha learns first hand how ruthless war is, losing much, but he is cared for by Russian soldiers and he soon becomes essential to their small military unit.
Based upon a real boy named Sergey Aleshkov, Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief, gives a view inside the Russian side of the story - fighting to reclaim their country and their way of life. There were others like Sasha and Sergey, taken in by Red Army soldiers instead of leaving them on their own.
Feathers from a pillow, a fluffy hat. There is a knotted piece of rope and matchboxes full of ash. It's a posy of flowers given to him by his doctor that brings a word from his lips. A tiny bunch that triggers a memory. Sasha begins to speak.
He tells of life in a Russian village with his mother and big sister Yelana. Sasha is only 6 in this memory, and he remembers the fields surrounding the village, full of flowers. Then the Germans soldiers come. They stomp through Sasha's village in their big black boots, kicking in doors, then people, all the while laughing. When they finally leave, at even only 12 yeas old, Yelana vows to fight back. They have already lost an older sister and their father to the war, and she doesn't want to lose any more.
Sasha remembers the consequences of her decision, in the shape of 12 matchboxes full of ash.
More memories surface in the shape of a beetle, some buttons and a pile of white feathers. These memories come from being taken in and cared for by soldiers of the Red Army, fighting against the German war machine. He becomes a light for the soldiers, as he is kind, gentle and sweet in a world of war. He loves to sing and is generous with kisses on cheeks and hugs where he thinks one is needed.
Slowly over time, Sasha reveals more of his life over the past few years. He has collected more things that seem important, but are only understood once he begins talking.
The nursing staff realise who this little boy is and what he has done for the Red Army and the spirits of the Russian people. Sasha takes it all in, remembering who he once was, and now wondering who he will become.
A story told in the point of view of a small, 6 yr old Russian boy. It begins in a hospital after the second world war, but the reader is taken back to 1942 when the Red Army (Russia) are fighting to rid their country of German soldiers. Sasha learns first hand how ruthless war is, losing much, but he is cared for by Russian soldiers and he soon becomes essential to their small military unit.
Based upon a real boy named Sergey Aleshkov, Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief, gives a view inside the Russian side of the story - fighting to reclaim their country and their way of life. There were others like Sasha and Sergey, taken in by Red Army soldiers instead of leaving them on their own.
May 28, 2024
This is about a little boy who lived in a small town in Russia, but then it was invaded by the German army. He runs away into the forest until he can run no more and falls asleep. He wakes up with people around him, people from the Red Cross. They have saved him from dying in the forest. Throughout the book, he stays with the Red Cross and becomes the youngest person on there, but he does not fight.
April 20, 2025
it will make you cry.
September 21, 2023
"This book is fiction, but it was inspired by the story of a real boy, Sergey Aleshkov. Sergey was one of the youngest soldiers to serve in the Second World War. He was somewhere between six and eight years of age when he first joined the Red Army."
- Katrina Nannestad.
This story of young Sasha is very moving as a young boy witnesses first hand the terror, the pain, and the horror of one of the worst periods in human history.
To view the world, its beauties, and horrors through the eyes of a child is a sobering experience.
- Katrina Nannestad.
This story of young Sasha is very moving as a young boy witnesses first hand the terror, the pain, and the horror of one of the worst periods in human history.
To view the world, its beauties, and horrors through the eyes of a child is a sobering experience.
January 17, 2022
This was a beautiful book !! It was so inspiring and heartwarming. I would definitely read it again.
December 31, 2022
I wasn't expecting this to be so heartbreaking even though I knew what it was about.
A good drama read for something different als0 funny at times.
A good drama read for something different als0 funny at times.
May 19, 2025
This is an incredible (older) children’s book which I had to read to teach my Year 6 class. I can absolutely see why we use this book to teach characterisation, the author is so good at it.
September 26, 2025
Review from my stage 3 class:
First time is the worst time. That’s where you’ll cry the most. Too disappointing and sad and too tense!! Emotional damage, beautifully wrote (another student: written!). Emotionally scarring book but also a good book. Best out of all of her books with children’s point of view of war. One student: best book I’ve ever read.
“I’d like to have a talk with the author to make it less traumatising. She used a hundred pages to connect with someone just to kill them off.”
Very impressive to make us all be so invested and upset.
Reading this with my class was such a beautiful experience. The learning discussions in this were incredible: the moral dilemmas, the empathy and kindness and hope in the middle of death and destruction, the impact of war on humanity. The tension and anxiety we felt throughout the book. We laughed together and cried together. So impressed with this book.
First time is the worst time. That’s where you’ll cry the most. Too disappointing and sad and too tense!! Emotional damage, beautifully wrote (another student: written!). Emotionally scarring book but also a good book. Best out of all of her books with children’s point of view of war. One student: best book I’ve ever read.
“I’d like to have a talk with the author to make it less traumatising. She used a hundred pages to connect with someone just to kill them off.”
Very impressive to make us all be so invested and upset.
Reading this with my class was such a beautiful experience. The learning discussions in this were incredible: the moral dilemmas, the empathy and kindness and hope in the middle of death and destruction, the impact of war on humanity. The tension and anxiety we felt throughout the book. We laughed together and cried together. So impressed with this book.
November 19, 2022
What a brilliant, beautiful masterpiece of middle grade fiction Rabbit, Soldier, Angel, Thief is. The Russian experience of World War Two from the perspective of a little caring poet. I would not have liked to be in the classroom reading this one!!! Tears of sorrow just as much as tears of joy…A heartbreaking/ heartwarming novel that does absolutely ‘show that a kind person’s light can shine even in the darkest of times’
May 19, 2024
Pick this up because it’s the novel I’m teaching for school next term, and I am super surprised to love it so much. This is one of the most beautiful books I’ve read, filled with deep, heart wrenching moments and unforgettable characters. It truly highlights the power of hope and joy in the midst of war, ugliness and pain. I love the power of a well written children’s book, and am eager to see how this translates to my students hearts and minds next.
September 28, 2025
This book is a historical novel is a moving and adventurous story set during World War II. It follows Sasha, a young boy who becomes a soldier after being orphaned, and a little white rabbit that becomes his best friend and comfort during hard times. The book shows bravery, kindness, and hope even in scary situations.
The writing is gentle but powerful, with emotional moments that might make you sad, yet also inspired. It’s a story about friendship, survival, and finding light in dark times.
I���d recommend it for readers aged 10+ (Because it kind of has some violence) who enjoy historical stories with heart, adventure, and unforgettable characters.
The writing is gentle but powerful, with emotional moments that might make you sad, yet also inspired. It’s a story about friendship, survival, and finding light in dark times.
I���d recommend it for readers aged 10+ (Because it kind of has some violence) who enjoy historical stories with heart, adventure, and unforgettable characters.
June 5, 2023
Wow the story is more beautiful than the cover, spine and end papers. The voice of a six year old boy speaks so strongly in this book, moved to tears several times!!!!
July 28, 2023
This was a cute little transition read to have a break from a million fantasy’s in a row. I really like the plot/storyline much like her other book we are wolves. If you want a sad and quick read this is perfect for you. I will not get over the ending.
December 2, 2021
My ten year old daughter rated this 5 stars.
July 21, 2024
Admittedly, I'm not Nannestad's target audience here, but I'm of the firm belief that good children's and YA literature has universal appeal. Sadly, I felt this one was just okay.
What I did like about this book was that it tells a story that is often forgotten in children's literature about WWII. Many have forgotten that we were once allies with Russia, and the people of the Soviet Union suffered just as much as any. I love that Nannestad is able to educate a generation of children on a different side to the war.
My issue, though, is with the story telling. At times, the prose felt incredibly repetitive. I was getting sick of the phrase "blue, blue cornflowers" by the end. One of my biggest gripes with this book, too, is that the author seems to wave away the atrocities committed by the Red Army against the citizens of Germany in the aftermath of WWII. And no, I won't accept "oh, it's a children's book, what do you expect?" as an answer. Arguably more skilled children's writers like Markus Zusak and John Boyne manage to capture the atrocities of Nazi Germany in a way that's age-appropriate to both the target audience and their pre-pubescent narrators. Nannestad could've done better in this regard.
Overall, it's a sweet story that I like children aged 10-14 would enjoy with a bit of contextual research. It's just definitely not for me.
What I did like about this book was that it tells a story that is often forgotten in children's literature about WWII. Many have forgotten that we were once allies with Russia, and the people of the Soviet Union suffered just as much as any. I love that Nannestad is able to educate a generation of children on a different side to the war.
My issue, though, is with the story telling. At times, the prose felt incredibly repetitive. I was getting sick of the phrase "blue, blue cornflowers" by the end. One of my biggest gripes with this book, too, is that the author seems to wave away the atrocities committed by the Red Army against the citizens of Germany in the aftermath of WWII. And no, I won't accept "oh, it's a children's book, what do you expect?" as an answer. Arguably more skilled children's writers like Markus Zusak and John Boyne manage to capture the atrocities of Nazi Germany in a way that's age-appropriate to both the target audience and their pre-pubescent narrators. Nannestad could've done better in this regard.
Overall, it's a sweet story that I like children aged 10-14 would enjoy with a bit of contextual research. It's just definitely not for me.
September 30, 2021
As you read this book the significance of each word in the title is cleverly revealed. There is a very appealing structure to this book which has the dual effect of making it easy to read; helping to move the story forward; and working as a device that creates anticipation for the reader as we wait to find out why each object is so important as a memory trigger for Sasha.
One of the aspects of the writing in this book that I really appreciated was the way Katrina Nannestad creates powerful contrasts. For example in the early scenes we read about all the pretty flowers in the village - sunflowers, sun kissed strawberries, larkspur, daffodils and cherry trees covered in blossoms. Then we read of the arrival of the German soldiers and there are word such as hard boots, kicking doors, and stomp, stomp stomp. Then near the end of the book we read about tanks rolling into the city with flowers in their cannons. Such a joyous scene. Another truly special aspect of this book is comes from the way Katrina Nannestad imbues Sasha with deep tenderness and an emotional intelligence well beyond his tender years. I have to say his tiny heart certainly touched mine. This is a book that will linger with you long after the last page is turned.
One of the aspects of the writing in this book that I really appreciated was the way Katrina Nannestad creates powerful contrasts. For example in the early scenes we read about all the pretty flowers in the village - sunflowers, sun kissed strawberries, larkspur, daffodils and cherry trees covered in blossoms. Then we read of the arrival of the German soldiers and there are word such as hard boots, kicking doors, and stomp, stomp stomp. Then near the end of the book we read about tanks rolling into the city with flowers in their cannons. Such a joyous scene. Another truly special aspect of this book is comes from the way Katrina Nannestad imbues Sasha with deep tenderness and an emotional intelligence well beyond his tender years. I have to say his tiny heart certainly touched mine. This is a book that will linger with you long after the last page is turned.
April 9, 2022
I read this book in one night. Poignant, sad, touching, gritty, with some uplifting moments. Whilst it is a book of fiction, the story is based on a real Russian 6-year-old boy who is taken on by the Red Army after his village is destroyed and his family taken during WW2. Sasha is a singer and storyteller who always tries to help and encourage others through the most tragic and trying circumstances. Told in first person narrative, the author paints vivid descriptions of village life and living through war with all its horrors. Her character descriptions are very real with all their foibles and pathos. The roller coaster of emotions and experiences for such a young boy are palpable. By the end of the book he is 10 years old and suffering the effects of warfare. However, with all the losses young Sasha endures, there is a positive ending, and the camel Tolstoy is a delightful character. Much of it is sadly reminiscent of what is currently happening in these European countries. It is a well researched and written historical work of fiction.
July 28, 2021
This is a beautiful story about the darkness of war, but the light which can shine through even through the extreme hardships. The main character of 6 year old Sasha is inspired by a real life boy who lost his family and home in WWII and became an adopted member of a Russian army unit. This story is brutal in reality of war, yet tender in the strength of the relationships portrayed. The title is perfect, and I love the way each section is begun by a list of seemingly randomised items (this will make sense when you read the book). I truly loved this book, and was bought to tears with its tenderness.
April 11, 2022
It’s like the author flipped through The Book Thief and went eureka! I can do this, I’ll just have my character steal books more things. Then in shopping list style start using all these things to provide tedious flashbacks.
All the characters feel like caricatures, the writing device feels forced and the while thing is as stiff as a piece of cardboard.
Also, are we all tiptoeing around the fact that this book - in the most unfortunate turn of recent historical events, though not the fault of the author or publisher - is pro Russian army?
All the characters feel like caricatures, the writing device feels forced and the while thing is as stiff as a piece of cardboard.
Also, are we all tiptoeing around the fact that this book - in the most unfortunate turn of recent historical events, though not the fault of the author or publisher - is pro Russian army?
October 23, 2024
I love this book so much 😭💗 I read it the first time a couple years ago and listened to it as an audio book with my dad while driving. The writing is so beautiful and no matter who you are and what you read I will recommend this to you. Sasha is such an adorable character and even tho this is just a BOOK I’m smiling at every second thing he says 😭 My book slump is hitting real hard right now, I have read 4 pages of a real book over the last 2ish months 😟 so this is all I have “read” recently and it’s just so beautiful, please read it 💗💗
November 8, 2021
This Russian inspired young persons novel was moving, emotional and unique. Hearing from the perspective of a 7 year old boy in WWII and his journey throughout was perfection. Full review on melreviewsherbooks.com
August 2, 2023
One of my darling Year 7s recommended me this book and because we’re birthday twins as well, I may be bias with this review ;).
I absolutely adored this, it was an easy to read historical fiction that was so raw about what happened in WWII. It was interesting to also read from a Russian perspective with this book too. I am so glad that I had this recommended to me!
I absolutely adored this, it was an easy to read historical fiction that was so raw about what happened in WWII. It was interesting to also read from a Russian perspective with this book too. I am so glad that I had this recommended to me!
March 29, 2024
This is on the new English curriculum for Stage 3 students. It’s a beautifully written bittersweet novel set in Russia in WW2, and is based on a true story. It made me cry and I think the parallels with the world today are all too obvious.
December 29, 2024
This book was beautiful in every way possible, it made me cry, laugh and smile. While reading this book it felt like I was really there in ww2, watching the little solider’s life unravel. Truely beautiful love this book so much!!
August 14, 2025
Best book I've ever read!!!!
August 15, 2024
Another moving historical novel for middle readers from Nannestad, my most respected Australian author since reading all her output in this genre. I await her next with anticipation. This book particularly resonates with me for it portrays the other side of World War 2 battles in which my own Finnish family were allies with Germany and aided by their armaments and training.
As Nannestad shows, there is good and bad in both sides of any war. Sharing a bombed trench with a dying German soldier who shows his family photograph, Sasha realises "In Germany, he's a papa. Here, in Ukraine, he's a monster. How can that be?"
Vivid images are memorable: of flowers, the great survivors..."And in their struggle to surviver, they become more brilliant and beautiful than ever."
"The water that's been filling my belly now rushed upward and starts spilling from my eyes."
"A murmur ripples across the ward. I'm not sure why, but it also ripples through my body. It's a cold ripple..."
The characters are delightfully contrasted and human, including Tolstoy the camel, who gives putrid, slimy kisses and expresses emotions in spits, gnashed teeth, gurgling and dribbling sour slime. There's Sleepy Bear who can sleep anywhere, even walking through a minefield. Grumpy Boris; Itchy Lutsenko, an expert on lice, who breeds thousands inside his uniform then sets them free in German trenches and bunkers.
Foremost is the Angel of Stalingrad, who at six years of age lost everything to the German invader–mother, father, sisters, home. Rescued by the Red Army, Major Fyodor Gagarin (Papa Scruff who becomes a father), Sasha lifts food to weary lips, rolls cigarettes for shaking fingers,, rubs cold feet to warmth, kisses furrowed brows, hold hands while wounds are stitched, songsmith a voice of honey, dances the Kalinka like a tornado and weaves stories of fun and fancy." As was reported in the Red Star newspaper. Nannestad reveals that although the book is fiction, Sacha is drawn on a real person; indeed many other children were found by Red Army units and uniforms tailored for them.
"Where's home?" Sasha asks after years of plodding through Russia, Ukraine, into Berlin. "Home has been moving for so long. I can't imagine it any other way."
Papa Scruff sums up: "The war will end, but there will be sadness that will go no forever. The end of a war will always be better than the middle, though.
This touching book well realises Nannestad's intention to weave a story that shows that a kind person's light can shine even in the darkest of times.
As Nannestad shows, there is good and bad in both sides of any war. Sharing a bombed trench with a dying German soldier who shows his family photograph, Sasha realises "In Germany, he's a papa. Here, in Ukraine, he's a monster. How can that be?"
Vivid images are memorable: of flowers, the great survivors..."And in their struggle to surviver, they become more brilliant and beautiful than ever."
"The water that's been filling my belly now rushed upward and starts spilling from my eyes."
"A murmur ripples across the ward. I'm not sure why, but it also ripples through my body. It's a cold ripple..."
The characters are delightfully contrasted and human, including Tolstoy the camel, who gives putrid, slimy kisses and expresses emotions in spits, gnashed teeth, gurgling and dribbling sour slime. There's Sleepy Bear who can sleep anywhere, even walking through a minefield. Grumpy Boris; Itchy Lutsenko, an expert on lice, who breeds thousands inside his uniform then sets them free in German trenches and bunkers.
Foremost is the Angel of Stalingrad, who at six years of age lost everything to the German invader–mother, father, sisters, home. Rescued by the Red Army, Major Fyodor Gagarin (Papa Scruff who becomes a father), Sasha lifts food to weary lips, rolls cigarettes for shaking fingers,, rubs cold feet to warmth, kisses furrowed brows, hold hands while wounds are stitched, songsmith a voice of honey, dances the Kalinka like a tornado and weaves stories of fun and fancy." As was reported in the Red Star newspaper. Nannestad reveals that although the book is fiction, Sacha is drawn on a real person; indeed many other children were found by Red Army units and uniforms tailored for them.
"Where's home?" Sasha asks after years of plodding through Russia, Ukraine, into Berlin. "Home has been moving for so long. I can't imagine it any other way."
Papa Scruff sums up: "The war will end, but there will be sadness that will go no forever. The end of a war will always be better than the middle, though.
This touching book well realises Nannestad's intention to weave a story that shows that a kind person's light can shine even in the darkest of times.
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